Author:
Courtney
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Date Posted: Monday, February 06, 2012, 01:07: pm
After having to re-schedule, I finally had my much dreaded colonoscopy last week. The Dr. said my prep was good and no problems were found so I have 10 years before doing this again. Since I was totally knocked out, I don't remember anything about the procedure but wanted to share my experience with the prep for any who might be interested.
In addition to the customary clear liquid diet beginning the day before, I used the newer Miralax/Gatorade prep which I understand is the most "patient friendly" having better taste and less volume than some of the other preps. It is also available OTC and is the least expensive. I had never had Gatorade before but it is not at all bad tasting, especially when cold, and is intended to provide necessary electrolytes to replace those lost during the purging process.
Instructions called for dissolving a 2 week dose of Miralax laxative (238 grams) in 2 quarts of Gatorade and drinking it rapidly over a 2 hour period beginning at 5 PM the day before the procedure. Also taking 2 Dulcolax tablets 2 hours earlier to evacuate the colon before starting the Miralax, then 2 more Dulcolax 2 hours after the Miralax as a final purge.
Apparently this is one of several preps that has replaced the smaller dose Fleet phosphosoda prep used for many years before it was linked to kidney failure. The Fleet product has since been pulled from the market but the lawsuits continue. While the Miralax is said to a "Safe Product", I couldn't help but wonder (like with the Fleet phosphosoda) what problems might turn up in later years.
In doing a web search I discovered Miralax is actually a chemical known as polyethylene glycol 3350 (a.k.a. PEG 3350). It is said to be a non-toxic, tasteless white powder that is soluable in most any liquid. However, I was concerned to read that it is closely related to the toxic ethylene glycol used in automotive antifreeze and the less toxic propylene glycol used in aircraft de-icing fluids. The big difference is that due to the larger molecule, the PEG solution is not readily absorbed by the gut and passes quickly through the digestive system. While PEG has FDA approval for use as a daily laxative, it has not been approved for high doses needed for colonoscopy prep. Also, according to the MSDS sheet, PEG 3350 has not been evaluated in terms of carcinogenic and mutinogenic properties. Neither is it clear how the small amounts absorbed by the gut are dealt with by ones body.
Polyethlene glycol is the same active ingredient used in some other prep solutions such as Nulytely, Golytely, Colyte, Trilyte, Halflytely, Moviprep, etc. However, these products also contain electrolytes which I understand gives them a really nasty and salty taste. They also require mixing in 4 quarts of water except for Halflytely and Moviprep which only need 2 quarts. Optional flavoring packets are offered with at least some of these products.
As for my prep, the first dose of Dulcolax had not worked by the time I was to start the Miralax so I went ahead and took a good enema. (Dulcolax instructions say to allow 6 to 12 hours for results so there probably wasn't enough time allowed.) That of course, put me an hour behind in starting the Miralax. The first quart of Miralax/Gatorade went down pretty easy and although Miralax is supposedly tasteless, it does impart a slick and slimey texture to the Gatorade. I couldn't drink it quickly without gagging and thus sipped the first quart slowly over a period of about an hour and a half. By then things were beginning to happen. Alternating between visits to the potty and sipping Miralax/Gatorade it took another two and a half hours to finish the second quart. Thus a total of 4 hours to to consume the entire 2 quarts.
Soon after beginning the prep I developed chills which I understand is a common side effect of the Miralax/Gatorade prep but which soon passed. I never experienced any serious cramping or urgency and think the enema at the beginning of the prep may have helped in this regard. Mostly there was just a sensation of fluid accumulating in the lower bowel - much like getting an enema. (When you think about it, the process is like getting an enema from the top down.) My kidneys were also working overtime in eliminating the excess fluid. Potty visits continued every few hours throughout the night which made it hard to get any sleep.
Although the prep was tolerable, I hope that when I do this again in 10 years there will be something better available. Otherwise I might just use enemas in place of Dulcolax and take a little less of the Miralax.
Hugs!
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